Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured another podium finish at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP. He claimed third place behind McLaren’s dominant 1-2 finish. However, the Monegasque driver’s post race assessment revealed mixed emotions. He showed optimism about Ferrari’s progress and frustration about the championship gap.
The Austrian GP result marks another great performance for Leclerc, securing his 5th podium of the season. Yet, the Ferrari driver made it clear that P3 finishes are insufficient. The team went into this season with higher championship ambitions.
Ferrari upgrades show promise at the Red Bull Ring
Leclerc secured another podium finish with P3 at the Austrian GP. This marked another strong weekend for the Scuderia. Speaking after the Austrian GP, Leclerc acknowledged the team’s positive direction. He emphasized the work still ahead.
“Yeah, we are working in the right direction,” Leclerc explained. “I think we brought some upgrades this weekend which helped us to close a little bit the gap. The gap is still significant, unfortunately, and we’ve got to push in order to bring as many upgrades as possible, as soon as possible, in order to close that gap,” he added.
The Monegasque’s assessment highlights the team’s ongoing development battle. McLaren continues to set the pace throughout the 2025 season. Despite the progress, Leclerc remains realistic about Ferrari’s current position. He acknowledged their standing in the 2025 F1 season.
Leclerc struggles with lifting and coasting requirements
The Austrian GP presented significant challenges for the Ferrari driver. Leclerc revealed ongoing issues with race management requirements. The lifting and coasting instructions from his race engineer proved somewhat problematic.
“It was very tough for that,” Leclerc admitted about lifting and coasting requirements. “I had to do a lot of management, especially on the first stint. It was not fitting my driving style, it was not fitting the balance that I had.”
The management issues extended beyond the first stint and created ongoing challenges throughout the race. “I was really, really struggling on that first stint and some part of the second stint as well,” Leclerc said. “It’s the way we’ve got to run at the moment.”
When pressed about whether these management issues would be resolved, the Ferrari driver expressed his wishes for it.
“I really hope so.”
McLaren dominance continues
McLaren’s dominance continues to grow more apparent. Leclerc was asked about the championship implications. He was also questioned about Ferrari’s goals for the remaining season.
“It’s always important,” Leclerc said regarding the importance of securing wins. “For the people back in Maranello, for the people at the track, for us drivers as well,” he added. “To know that we can turn the situation around and be competitive again is very important for everyone. It will be really nice.”
However, the Ferrari driver acknowledged the reality facing the team. “[As] this season ends,” he began, “I think it’s going to be very unlikely to now turn the situation around at a point where can win the Constructors’. The points difference is very significant.”
Leclerc’s assessment of McLaren’s consistency was equally frank.
“I don’t see why McLaren will start doing a really bad job from now on.”
Ferrari’s development focus
Despite the championship situation, Leclerc emphasized Ferrari’s commitment to continued development. The team remains focused on learning throughout the 2025 season.
“We need to keep our head down, keep working very hard,” the Ferrari driver stated. “Whatever we can still learn this season, we need to learn it.”
The positive weekend overall provided some encouragement. Leclerc noted: “It’s been a positive weekend overall, I think. On that, I’m happy that we’ve maximized our potential. Now we’ve got to have a better potential.”
What’s next for Leclerc and Ferrari
Charles Leclerc’s Austrian GP podium shows Ferrari’s 2025 season perfectly. Progress exists but the McLaren gap remains significant. For Leclerc, the result represents both encouragement and a reality check about the work ahead.
